In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Colonel Curtis McGiffin discuss the need for an AI-enabled NC3 system with a dead hand. They argue that the current NC3 system and the decision-making process have significant problems that need to be addressed and propose using AI tools to enhance the decision-making process and improve the speed and effectiveness of the system. They also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of such a system and its importance for deterrence. The conversation highlights the need for the United States to modernize its nuclear command and control capabilities and consider new approaches to ensure the effectiveness of its deterrent.

Curtis McGiffin is the Vice President for Education and Co-founder of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. His areas of expertise are deterrence theory education, grand strategy, and strategic triad operations. He also serves on the teaching faculty of the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, where he teaches graduate and doctorate courses in deterrence theory and grand strategy. Previously, he was the Associate Dean of the School of Strategic Force Studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he led a robust portfolio of USAF professional continuing education programs supporting the AF nuclear enterprise. He also was the Executive Director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute, where he designed and developed a catalog of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications curriculum and courses for Air Force Global Strike Command’s workforce.

Colonel McGiffin retired with over 26 years of experience in the USAF as an aviator, commander, staff officer, and educator, most of which was supporting the USAF’s nuclear enterprise. Prior to his retirement from active duty, Colonel McGiffin was the Associate Dean of Faculty and Assistant Professor of Strategy and Deterrence at the National War College in Washington DC. He has served on the Joint Staff, HQ AF staff, and combatant command staff, as a squadron commander, and as the senior advisor to Iraq’s military Vice Chief of Staff. He was a Master Navigator and flight instructor with 2,750 flight hours in the E-4B, EC-135, KC-135 and T-43 aircraft. He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, a Legion of Merit, and two Aerial Achievement Medals.

Socials:

• Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
• Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
• Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
• Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, Dr. Kyle Balzer discusses three topics: the submarine launch cruise missile (SLCM-N), the origins of tailored deterrence, and the concept of hedging the hedge. SLCM-N is seen as a missing piece in the US nuclear posture, providing regional presence, promptness to respond, widespread deployment, and complicating adversary defense planning. Tailored deterrence, which dates back to the Cold War, involves understanding the values and priorities of adversaries to deter them effectively. Hedging, or maintaining extra warheads, is crucial in a complex and unpredictable threat environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for intelligence on adversary thinking, bipartisan support for SLCM-N, and continued debate and implementation of nuclear strategies.

Kyle Balzer is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in US nuclear strategy and policy. He is currently working on a book project, The Revivalist: James R. Schlesinger and the Rebirth of Cold War U.S. Nuclear Strategy. It examines the origins of diagnostic net assessment and competitive nuclear strategies. His work has been published in Breaking Defense, National Review Online, The Hill, The National Interest, and War on the Rocks.

Kyle holds a Ph.D. in US diplomatic history from Ohio University, where he studied the relationship between American grand strategy and nuclear deterrence policy.

Socials:

• Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
• Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
• Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
• Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Dr. Amit Gupta discusses the Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons programs and their relations with China. The Indian nuclear program was driven by the desire for autonomy and the need to showcase scientific ability. The Pakistanis pursued nuclear weapons as a deterrent against India's conventional advantage. Both countries have developed their nuclear capabilities over the years, with India having a 'no first use' policy and Pakistan adopting a more ambiguous stance. The Indian perspective on China is shaped by a history of border disputes and a desire to counter China's growing military capabilities. India seeks to build an economic partnership with the United States, revamp its defense production, and engage in dialogue with China.

Amit Gupta is a Senior Advisor to the Forum of Federations, Ottawa, Canada. He has previously on the faculty of the USAF Air War College. He is the author, co-author or editor of eight books including, Building an Arsenal: The Evolution of Regional Power Force Structures (Praeger), Global Security Watch—India (Praeger), Strategic Stability in Asia, (Ashgate), and Air Forces: Next Generation (Howgate).

In the realm of popular culture, he has written in academic journals and magazines on Doctor Who, Diego Maradona, The Defenders, Star Trek, international cricket, and the globalization of Sports.

Socials:

• Follow on Twitter at @NucleCast
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
• Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
• Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
• Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org